Forgive me, James, for speaking so sharply, the wouldbe motherinlaw rushed, her tone desperate. I didnt mean it with malice. Maybe youll drop by sometime? Jimmys still single, ever since you left; hes lost in his video games
***
Emily and James had been together for almost two years. To Emily, the relationship felt serious: she spent many evenings at the Thompson house, where she was received politely, though never warmly. She believed they had a solid future. James, though a bit carefree, possessed a charm and a drive that seemed to point toward ambition.
Their idyll shattered when James failed a crucial English exam. His negligence during the lockdownspending endless nights on computer games and abandoning his studiesput him on the brink of expulsion.
In the midst of the crisis Emily could no longer hold her tongue. She turned to Jamess mother and snapped:
I dont need a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housekeeper; we should share the chores and the earnings!
The words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt over everything theyd built.
Mrs. Thompson took the outburst as a personal insult. She had spent her life supporting her husband and son, believing her role was to care, not to demand results. Now she expected Emily to behave the same way.
How typical! She doesnt want to be a housewife. A womans first job is to keep the home fires burning, and a man is the head of the family!
Emily stayed silent, unwilling to inflame the argument further. From that moment the door was no longer opened for her. Contact with James dwindled to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral spots. He suffered from the separation, but rather than honesty he resorted to manipulation.
Emily, we have to talk to my mother, James pleaded over the phone. You need to explain that you dont really mean what you said. Im tired of hiding. Make peace with my parents, will you?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. These are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend?
Because you love me and I love you. Thats the only way to fix this. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart Emily agreedlove drove her to the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
But things unfolded far from what she expected.
When Emily arrived, James let her into the hallway. Just then his father descended the stairs:
James, what is that girl doing here? he barked.
James stammered. Emily felt the colour drain from her face. The question sounded as if the girl were a random acquaintance, not his beloved.
Dad, Emily, we James began, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Shes out.
From the living room his mother emerged:
Whos making all that noise? Jimmy, whos with you?
Mr. Thompson, ignoring Emily, added:
The very one who taught you how to live.
Emily realised she was unwelcome. Anger and humiliation surged, and instinct took over.
Im leaving, and you stay, you pathetic, goodfornothing son of a mother! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door behind her.
James didnt even try to stop her.
As soon as she stepped into the stairwell, Emilys phone rang. Jamess voice was not remorseful, only furious:
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just turned me into a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he put me with! You caused a scene! Mothers furious, and Father wants me to never see you again!
Then he delivered the final blow:
And you know whats the worst part? I wont be allowed near my computer any more.
Emily felt the sting of hurt harden into cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to play games? Your familys problems are yours to sort out, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself, not dragged me into it.
It became clear: he hadnt changed. He was still the immature lad looking for a scapegoat, refusing to protect her.
I cant put up with this any longer, James. This is over! she declared, blocking him on every platform. The split was abrupt but necessary. His familys drama was his cross to bear, not hers.
A year later Emily had recovered from the breakup and built a fresh life. She met a new boyfriend; after three months they were already planning a wedding.
One afternoon, while shopping, she ran into Mrs. Harper, the mother of her new love.
Emily! My dear, how lovely to see you! Mrs. Harper exclaimed, rushing over.
Emily stiffened:
Hello
Mrs. Harper embraced her, volleying questions:
Its been ages! How are you? I heard you and Jimmy split. Hes gone off the deep end with his games, isnt he? He never wants a job, always glued to the computer. When you were together he seemed far more responsible Do come over sometime!
Im sorry, Mrs. Harper, Im busy. Work, home
Mrs. Harper glanced at the ring on Emilys finger:
Is that an engagement ring? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. Well have the wedding this summer.
The former motherinlaws smile faded instantly:
Ah, so thats why! Good thing Jimmy dumped you. We dont need someone like that around!
Emily shrugged and turned back to the shelves. In part Mrs. Harper was right: it was better shed left Jimmy when she did. Still, it was a pity shed wasted time on him.
